Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
A dog coming back once or twice does not mean they have reliable recall.
As a former dog control officer, I’ve responded to far too many cases where dogs were hit by cars after escaping a yard or being let off leash before their recall was truly ready.
Dogs that constantly dig may be bored and looking for a way out. And when recall has only worked a few times, one distraction can quickly turn “come back” into complete panic.
Secure the yard, address the boredom, and keep using a long line until recall is reliable around real distractions.
Follow for more Tom’s Hot Take episodes and dog training tips.
A dog coming back once or twice does not mean they have reliable recall.
As a former dog control officer, I’ve responded to far too many cases where dogs were hit by cars after escaping a yard or being let off leash before their recall was truly ready.
Dogs that constantly dig may be bored and looking for a way out. And when recall has only worked a few times, one distraction can quickly turn “come back” into complete panic.
Secure the yard, address the boredom, and keep using a long line until recall is reliable around real distractions.
Follow for more Tom’s Hot Take episodes and dog training tips.
